The Jackson County Panther baseball team won three of four games over the weekend — plating 39 runs in the process — in the Greater Athens Diamond Classic.
The Panthers, 13-12 this past spring, enjoyed lopsided victories over Hebron Christian (9-1) and Clarke Central (17-0) and a victory over Cedar Shoals (9-5) as they prep for the 2011 season. Jackson County’s lone loss in the tournament came to Morgan County (7-4).
“We played some really tough competition last week (Norcross, Gainesville and Stephens County) and were only able to get one win,” coach Panther coach Tommy Fountain said. “So it was good to get things rolling this weekend.”
Panther pitchers Austin Robinson, Matt Bridgeman and Bryson Evans all collected victories. John Fernandez threw five strong innings against Cedar Shoals, but Evans was the pitcher of record. Tyler Kropp pitched a complete game against Morgan County but took the loss. First baseman Troy McIntyre, who will have to replace Wabash College signee Zach Sticher, had a big weekend offensively, coach Fountain said.
“It was nice to see Bryson, Tyler and Troy have good weekends, as they are looking to make the jump from JV to varsity next spring,” Fountain said. “If Bryson and Tyler can give us two more arms on the mound and Troy can step in and swing the bat like he did this weekend, we’ll be just fine.”
The Panthers play a home doubleheader today (Wednesday) against Johnson-Gainesville before taking part in the Northeast Georgia Shootout this weekend.
— from submitted reports
